New research opportunities for our students: AI-supported ultrasound and 3D patient model for endometriosis diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that is largely unknown, although it is estimated that every 10th to 15th woman of childbearing age in Germany suffers from it. A multidisciplinary team of FAU scientists and researchers from our university hospital is researching the diagnosis and treatment options with three million euros in funding from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention.

As part of a new research project at FAU, an AI-based assistance system is being developed to facilitate the detection of endometriosis in ultrasound images. The aim is to improve the often lengthy and stressful diagnosis of this chronic disease. It currently takes around eight years on average.

The interdisciplinary project combines imaging techniques with artificial intelligence. The AI is to be trained to recognize characteristic patterns of endometriosis in ultrasound images in order to provide targeted support to medical professionals. As part of the project, the technical basis for a clinically applicable system will be created. The aim is to develop a tool that can be used by non-specialist doctors to facilitate diagnosis – particularly in the early stages of the disease.

Prof. Dr. Jana Hutter (Professor for Smart Imaging and Data Profiling, jana.hutter@fau.de) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Franziska Mathis-Ullrich (Surgical Planning and Robotic Cognition Lab, franziska.mathis-ullrich@fau.de), who both teach in our Medical Engineering program, are leading the project. Congratulations on the funding – we are looking forward to many exiting thesis projects for our students!

Further information on the topic (in German): FAU-Forscherinnen wollen die Diagnose und Behandlung des „Chamäleons“ unter den Frauenkrankheiten verbessern